Today's poolside read...

I still haven't decided if I like this book or not. It's a bid edgy and you wonder how many of the facts are inflated but it's interesting if nothing else.

Creating Myself by Mia Tyler, daughter of Steven Tyler from Aerosmith

Party like a Barack star!

That's my new slogan. We got in line around 1 p.m. and finally got into the stadium about 5:00 p.m. We were lucky enough to get 10 rows back, directly to the left of the podium. The view was outstanding. Man was it crowded though. But worth it. We had to go through metal detectors and there were Secret Service Agents everywhere. It was a pretty cool experience. I wore my Michelle Obama pearls. Amazingly after all those hours in the sun and I didn't get burnt. Whew!

Pampered princess

Today was Brooks day of beauty at the groomers. She turned 13 this year so she is really rocking the pigtail look here. We are friends with the vet and Caroline goes to school with her daughter. She called me at work today to tell me that when she got to school this morning Caroline mentioned to the doctor that our dog was on the way to the office to get her bath and could she PLEASE put her favorite colored bows in Brooks hair. I was so excited because we usually get a bow but PIGTAILS? Awesome! Thank you Dr. Caudy!

Mini-me

So, Tessa is so like me sometimes it kills me! Tessa came up with a few "slogans" for our big day tomorrow. A few of the kids at my property heard me talking about going tomorrow and asked to come or have me tell them about it. Political opinions aside I am just proud to see the kids (Tessa included) interested in the election. So here are Tessa's slogan ideas:
Barack and Roll
Barack my World
And her favorite, or the one that makes her laugh the most
Little Barack Arkansas
Witty kid, huh?

Working for the weekend

So, today I am if possible a little more fired up than usual. The weekend is going to be SO FUN! On tap:

Going to see Pineapple Express with Brian

Ohio State opens against Youngstown State- Today I am wearing my Jim Tressel sweater vest

And what I am most excited about: Barack Obama is speaking at Tessa's school and we're going. Tessa thinks I am a loser (again) because I am wearing my Michelle Obama pearls. FYI, Michelle Obama will also be there. Also, the Upper Arlington Arts Festival is Monday. A few years ago I found my favorite piece of artwork that we own by Chris Plummer and now I'm up to three of his pieces. Check his schedule to see if he is going to be showing at a festival near you. Somewhere in the middle of all that I've got to start narrowing down what I want to pack for the Toronto Film Festival NEXT WEEK! So, to segue into my theme song for the weekend, here is a little Loverboy for you.

Have you wordled?

If not, you should. Here is mine, now you do yours.

So, I'm taking a poll

It has been mentioned around our house that the gist of my blog seems possibly to be about poking fun at Brian, my husband. What can I say, he amuses me! So, I decided to do a poll and see what other people's perceptions are. I just like to laugh along at the challenges as well as the fun of married life as much as I do anything else in life. So feel free to vote, but I have to forewarn you that it's not going to change anything, it's strictly for my own entertainment purposes! The poll is to the left of the posts.

Cocktails at the Conservatory

This tip from my friend Tina:

Thursday night cocktails and small-plates by Cameron Mitchell's at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Sounds fun!

Boy, how times change...

Wow am I getting old. I've been at stores at closing time when it's time to leave, I've been kicked out of the Varsity Club and once Brian and I were asked to leave a neighbors property. (That's another story) But tonight was a turning point and made me realize I'm getting up there when I'm getting asked to leave the OSU dairy farm. We've been going there for the longest time but apparently tonight I violated the cows private hours or something. So we got asked to mooooove on out.

I love cake!

I really, really do. I will skip a meal if it means I can get to the cake faster and I am pretty sure anything can be celebrated with cake. My friend Brittney has asked me about my love for cake before as I usually find some excuse to serve one at just about any occasion. So, this week Blogger had this as one of their Blogs of Note. A blog about funny cakes? How could I pass this up? Apparently I can't...

Wrapping up my summer wear

Sad to say but true. I prefer fall clothes anyway. The boots, the tights, the pumpkin, brown, grey, eggplant and mustard colors... Anyway, you can't really see in this picture but I am winding down my white shoes for the summer. While back to school shopping I bought the cutest walking shorts at Old Navy for $10.00. I paired them with a black blazer and a polka dot cami from the Limited.

And yes, I realize photography is not my true calling.

Me, Sweet Caroline and Neil Diamond

One of these things doesn't go with the other. Which one? Well, me and my own Sweet Caroline will be home tonight. Neil Diamond will be performing in concert just down the road from us. Tessa is lucky enough that she will be there. I'm making her take my camera to video Sweet Caroline for us.

Back to school

Tessa started her junior year today. Crazy. As Brian pointed out she is now older than half the kids at her school.

Weekend Wrap Up

We had our friend Adalynn come over Friday night so her parents Jordan and Jeremy could have a date night. By 7:30 Adalynn was sacked out on my lap so I called and asked if she could just spend the night. Caroline was pretty fired up at this and we hauled out the Pack n Play for Adalynn to sleep in. That was Friday night. It is now Sunday night and Caroline has slept in the "crib" as she calls it for the last two nights. Good luck getting her out of there. She is in her glory sleeping in Baby Adalynn's bed as she calls it.

Back to school fashion show

We've been doing this for the past few years and I have fun with it. I think the other members of my family just tolerate it, as they do me sometimes. All day long I've been torturing Tessa with my best Kelly from the Office "Fashion Show Fashion Show Fashion Show at Lunch" chant. So without further ado, here are some of the highlights of our Back to School fashion show starring Tessa and Caroline. It's a shame you can't tell but we have a strobe light going in the background along with music. It was pretty sweet.

More free stuff... from Origins

Check this deal out at Origins. Offer good through September 03 or while supplies last. Free shipping too!

Super Sunday!

Tessa has wanted to go "thrifting" for a while now. I finally took her today and I am so glad I did! I found a brand new Ann Taylor bag with the tags still on for $28.00! And a great wool skirt from my favorite, Banana Republic for $15.00!

Date night

Tonight was a nice stress reliever after a day of back to school shopping. Although I can't complain. We got some really good deals and didn't argue much at all. Brian and I wrapped up the day with dinner out at Barnum & Tibbetts, where I had the best calamari in town. And that's no joke. I wore my new top from Old Navy, because doesn't mom deserve something for back to school too?

Old Navy- $12 Jeans today only!

Today jeans are only $12 at Old Navy!

New book by Candace Bushnell

Coming out September 22! You can pre-order it from Barnes and Noble and Amazon. This should be a pretty good read!

Star Wars Characters at Pottery Barn for Kids

I'm pretty excited for this! I'm hoping for R2D2 or Princess Leia. I actually think we will be out of town for this but hopefully some of you can enjoy it! Check this out at Pottery Barn for Kids.

Free! Lisa Hoffman Beauty Day Cream. A $75.00 value!

So, trolling around on OPB (Other People's Blogs) netted me this little gem. I already received my confirmation email from them. Start typing ladies!

Share Some SPF With Your BFF. Summer may be nearly over, but it doesn't mean you should stop using a moisturizer with SPF! Try Lisa Hoffman's Day Cream SPF 15 for FREE by replying to this offer and referring a friend.This lightweight moisturizer supplies beneficial compounds to improve dry skin conditions. It incorporates SPF 15 and other critical sunscreen ingredients to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation that leads to skin drying, and premature aging such as lines and wrinkles.Here's how simple it is to get your own full-sized sample:
* Send an email to info@lisahoffmanbeauty.com* Make sure the subject line reads "Friend"* Include the name, email address and shipping address for each person (including you!) receiving the complimentary Day Cream SPF 15* For every Day Cream they ship, they will include a note to your friend that says they have been personally requested to receive the complimentary product...this way, they'll know the gift came from you!The offer is valid while supplies last. And considering how awesome this offer is, it probably won't last long.

I sold my soul to the devil

We do not keep Pepsi in the house due to the fact that I have no self control and will drink a case over the course of a weekend. So we go purchase them on an "as-needed" basis. As in I need a Pepsi Brian, if I put Caroline to bed all weekend will you please go get me one? So today after work I said to Brian, "I would sell my soul to the devil for a Pepsi." And he slowly opened the fridge and handed me one. Uh oh....

OMG! Un-believable shoe deal!

$29.94 Charles David shoes at 6p.m.'s website. A great selection. I feel like I am in retail hell. How many can I get without appearing greedy or frivolous?

I am my own worst enemy

I fall for all sorts of things and think most things seem like a good idea. Or something I can't pass up, or don't want someone else beating me to. Case in point, a little postcard that came to me from Sephora recently. Sephora was nice enough to let me know about a great deal they were having on Laura Mercier products. But oh no, the good deal and three free samples were not enough. If I used the promo code I could ALSO get a free Laura Mercier sample sized lipstick. How could I pass this up? I mean really. So I carried my little post card around in my purse waiting for the first day of the promo code deal. And on the day of it DIDN'T WORK. No way was I placing my order and not getting my free lipstick. So I tried again. And again. And then I called Sephora because I was absolutely sure they would be as concerned as I was about my free lipstick. They acknowledged that yes, there was a problem with the promo code but it would be up and running and to try again shortly. Which I did and much to my relief it worked. Whew. And I do love my new products and I always get excited over free samples but the drama I caused myself over the lipstick versus the actual lipstick cracks me up. It is roughly half the size of my pinkie finger. It's actually kind of cute but I am really laughing at myself for thinking I was going to get the better of Sephora on this deal.

Coburn Place, Indianapolis shelter for victims of domestic violence

Our company has a facility called Coburn Place where women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence can stay and get their lives back together again. We have an annual fund raiser called Designers Closet where people donate designer goods and clothing to be sold at the event. I collect items to donate for this event but I will also be there reaping the rewards in high hopes of fashionable gains at affordable prices. Here is the information. If anyone has questions or is interested let me know. It's a good cause.

http://www.coburnplace.org/index.asp?p=53

So, I let my husband have a 25 year old blond over for dinner

Only he wasn't here to enjoy it. Seriously, it's my friend Jordan's birthday so I had her family over for dinner but Brian was out of town for a work dinner. Sorry Brian, but Happy Birthday Jordan.

Suppertime!

Another reason I am lucky is my job flexibility. Some days I bring my crockpot to work and make dinner right in my office. People come in and out during the day commenting on (hopefully) how good it smells. Today I am making Cafe Rio Shredded Pork. I got the recipe from my friend Traci. It is so easy to make and so good.

Cafe Rio Shredded Pork
6 lbs. Pork Roast
16 oz. salsa
1 can Coke
2 c. brown sugar
Place roast in slow cooker or crock pot and fill half way full of water. Cook on high for 5 hours. Cut roast into 3rds and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high for 2 more hours. Shred the pork in the pot and cook for 1 more hour. Then Serve. I put the shredded pork in tortillas with cheese, sour cream, blackbeans...

Home Sweet Home

Have been in Indy the past few days. It's always nice to go, but nice to come home.

Toronto here we come!

Last year my friend Kathy and I took a trip to Toronto for the film festival there. It was so much fun we decided to go again this year. They just released the list of films to be shown so I am so excited! Last year we just missed Brad Pitt and George Clooney interviewing outside of our hotel. We did get to see Jake Gyllenhaal and Meryl Streep on the red carpet. I am getting fired up!

Caroline and the talent show

This past weekend we were lucky enough to be invited to see Caroline's friend Isabelle in a talent show. So we were pretty excited and went to support Isabelle on her big day. As we got into the talent show Caroline started crying because SHE wanted to be in the show. Mind you, all of these kids practiced and had a plan. I took Caroline out in the hall to talk her down but she insisted she wanted to be in it. I asked her what her talent was and she told me she was going to swing her necklace around for everyone. Um, OK. Then I told her to go ask Kimberly, the girl in charge thinking if she has to go ask maybe she will back down. Um, No. She goes and asks, and Kimberly obliges. So Kimberly announces that Caroline is a guest and has a talent to share. Caroline goes up on the stage, twirls her necklace around, announces into the microphone "I can do that because I'm smart" and leaves the stage. Brian and I were stunned silly. Talk about a moment you wish you had your camcorder. BTW- Isabelle did a fantastic job singing her song. Both she and Caroline want to be in another talent show.

Se habla Espanol?

Caroline and I were in the car and she asked me for something. I have a hard time telling her no, so I said "maybe." She then asked me if "maybe" means "yes" in Spanish. Smart or a mini-manipulator?

Jam on it!

Well, my jam session has begun. I've made blackberry jam and I have to say WOW does it require a LOT of sugar. I've been delivering jam to my neighbors, set aside a jar for a trip to Indy this week and I still have TONS of blackberries. For some reason bagged sugar makes me nutty so check out how handy this sugar container is.

Conflict resolution

As I've blogged about before, laundry is always a concern at our house and something I admit I do half-heartedly. I've also mentioned some of the "disagreements" at our house and how we handle those. So Brian has taken the last week and a half off as vacation and just golfed, fished, chaperoned a field trip etc... He did go in to work the other day for a meeting and left in a huff. As he told me, "I've been on vacation for a week and I don't even have any clean black socks?" And somehow he was frustrated with ME for this? Um, Brian... remember, YOU are on vacation, not me so how does that statement make any sense? It's not like I used vacation time and didn't do my own laundry. And the socks are washed, but no, I didn't match them up. So Brian used his best conflict resolution today and went and bought new socks. That will teach me.

My greed got the best of me

Today we went blackberry picking. I think I went a little haywire. I knew we were picking a lot but I wanted more more more. When I had them weighed and ready to take home it turned out to be 7 pounds worth! Of blackberries! What am I supposed to do with 7 pounds of blackberries??? (I'm going to try making jam tonight)

I have died and gone to heaven

I found a recipe for Sopapilla Cheesecake on this blog and decided I had to try it. I have to say it is outstanding. Easy to make and freakishly delicious. 'Nuff said.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

I thought I would share a picture of these shoes before I return them. Trust me, I would not return them unless I absolutely needed to. I am 100% willing to endure pain for beauty but I can not wear either of these shoes. Ouch! I have some shoes that are my "sitting pretty" shoes but at least I can get back and forth to the restroom and my car in those. In these I can not so back they must go. Goodbye lovelies...

Olympic spirit

After staying up all night the other night to watch Michael Phelps swim and after seeing the cute girls at Cute on the Cheap post their Olympic Challenge I thought I would share my own Olympic story. During my last pregnancy I gained a lot of weight. As in 60 pounds. And the guy who works for me (and also made about 4 snack runs per day for me) delighted in rubbing it in day after day after day through the entire 13 months (it felt like) of my pregnancy. And no joke, I started gaining weight the minute I peed on the stick. So close to the end of my pregnancy I let him know that when I came back to work at the end of 6 weeks we were having the office Olympics and that I would have lost every pound of baby weight. I even had the line up:

Office chair spinning- See how many times we could spin around and not fall off our chairs

Resident arm wrestling- Random drawing to see which resident we arm wrestled and who won

Golf cart racing- No explanation needed

Resident bench press- Again, random drawing to see how many times we could bench press a person

I picked a date and Ken no showed on me but I have to brag that I did lose every pound of baby weight and then a couple more. A few years later I seem to have lost some of my Olympic spirit and motivation and need to re-gain it so I'm challenging myself to my own mini-Olympics again and getting back in the pool. I vow again to be among the first people at the gym door at 5:30 a.m. and in the water swimming my laps. So, that being said here is my outfit today (Hey guess what, my top is from Banana Republic) and hopefully in the weeks to follow my own Olympic spirit will shine through again as I get myself back in fighting shape.

Emotional blogging...

As I sit here on the computer my husband is watching television. I occasionally get accused of spending too much time on the internet, but I'm not a big tv watcher so I piddle around online. Anyway, I know that THIS is considered "yelling" in an email and is not supposed to be done but I just got told I am tapping loudly and was asked "What's wrong?" The answer is nothing, I didn't realize I was using heavy handed on the keys. Funny how people read into things.

Who's so vain?

So, for the longest time I blogged about who knows what. Then, I wound up posting my outfit as other people do. And I have to say it gets kind of addictive to get feedback on what looks cute, different ideas to try whatever. And no joke, I haven't been in a picture in the longest time because I am always the picture taker. In fact, we took quite a bit of heat from people because I was conspicuously absent from our holiday card with family photo minus me. Again, I was taking the picture and thought nothing of it but people commented to us that they found it odd. But really, do I need to send a photo of myself to people so they can see that I look a year older? Or that I gained a few pounds? Anyway, the point of this post is that I thought I looked so cute today but in photos my forehead looked super shiny so I decided not to post my outfit. And I am not having any luck explaining to my 4 year old how to take a pic from the neck down. (I also don't know how to use my self timer!) Any chance Carly Simon was talking about me? *Here's the shoes I was wearing. They are by Guess. The rest of the outfit came off pretty quickly after coming home.

Helpful AND fun

http://nicecritic.com/

This cracks me up. You can let someone know if they are bugging you but in a private, non-confrontational way.

They need one of these for marriage, although it would be pretty easy to narrow down who sent this to you! (Plus, Brian and I have NO problems letting one another know if we are annoyed.)

What's in a blog?

What's in a blog? What do I get out of blogging? Well, here's how blogging has kind of come full circle for me. I can tell you my first blog I got hooked on was a girl from Cinci who blogged about her outfit each day. It was fun seeing her outfits but what amazed me was the courage to post your picture each day and not look like you went to Olan Mills or something. (Is that place even in business anymore?) She always looks great, but it impresses me that someone would give strangers the chance to love or hate you on a daily basis. My own blog started as a joke between my friend Jordan and myself but quickly grew into more. I may not always have anything important to say but I blog about recipes, sales, family, whatever. If you know me my blog is really my personality. Eager and all over the place. So what I get out of blogging is reading OPB (Other people's blogs) and seeing things on sale, finding out that indeed they are also stressed and capable of laughing at themselves, seeing how people put outfits together... I have developed a kind of comraderie with some other bloggers and it's fun. But what really kind of made it come full circle today was when I am sitting at work today in Columbus Ohio and my friend Brittany comes in and asks me if I have seen the new belts from J Crew and telling me that there is a girl with a blog who can make these belts. Uh, excuse me, do you mean Kimberly? From Indianapolis? Brittany asks me if I know her and I'm like "We're blog buddies." Small crazy world, huh?